Turkey numbers reported ‘steady’

Opening day for spring turkey hunting in all of Oklahoma started on April 16. The season will run for 31 days through Tuesday, May 16.

Wild turkey populations have declined in the past several years in Oklahoma, especially in the west. However, surveys earlier this year indicated the decline has leveled off for the time being and turkey numbers were “holding steady” compared to last year, said Bill Dinkines, Chief of Wildlife for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

The Department is engaged in a five-year, $2 million research project to learn what is causing turkey population declines and what can be done long-term to manage turkey populations.

The research is focusing on demographic parameters of turkeys at sites in southeastern and southwestern Oklahoma, and genetic variation in wild turkeys across the state. Specifically, researchers are examining nesting success, nesting site characteristics, and cause-specific mortality of poults and hens.

Hunters who normally plan to hunt in western or southwestern Oklahoma might consider pursuing turkeys in other regions where bird numbers are closer to average.

This year, many hunters have been asking why opening day is on a Sunday. Dinkines said when new turkey hunting regulations were drafted in 2021, ODWC wildlife managers had to settle on specific opening and closing dates that would be used year after year. The date selected was April 16, which just happens to fall on a Sunday this year. Barring any unforeseen changes, next year’s spring turkey season will open on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

Also, hunters are reminded that one of the most helpful things they can do to support wildlife biologists in their current turkey research, conservation, and management efforts is to purchase a hunting license, whether they intend to hunt or not. Each hunting license sold secures federal matching funds normally at a rate many times the price of the license.

For the hunters getting ready to pursue a bird in the next few days, here are some current regional insights from ODWC biologists in the field.

NORTHEAST REGION

Report by Brent Morgan, Wildlife Biologist

Current gobbler activity: Gobbling has really started ramping up the past two weeks, with birds starting to break up from their winter flocks. Gobbling on the roost has been the best, with little gobbling after fly down. Toms have been seen with hens strutting during early morning.

Condition of habitat: Conditions have improved somewhat from the fall drought, but the region is still behind a bit in moisture. Food plots are looking good. Several areas conducted prescribed burns that are greening-up fast. Nesting cover should be fair, with the understory being thin in some areas due to drought from late summer.

Reports from landowners or scouting hunters: Landowners are seeing and hearing a few birds which should be starting to get a lot more active with warmer weather. Bird numbers are fair to low, with a few areas having a few more than they did in winter. Youth weekend was good for some areas, with a few birds harvested.

WMA best bets: Cherokee and Tenkiller are good bets for turkeys, although both get a lot of pressure. Eufaula and Fort Gibson may be decent due to limited access along the lakes.

Tips for success: 1. Do your homework and scout before season starts. 2. Try to stay a good distance away from a bird and call it to you. 3. Be patient.

Mistakes to avoid: 1. Do not over-call as that leads to more mistakes, and call softly. 2. Trying to get too close to the roost. 3. Moving too much and not waiting on the bird to come to you.

Opening-day expectations: With opening day being on a Sunday, expect lots of hunters out, especially on public land. Bird numbers are still fair to low. Forecast looks windy with a small cold front coming through.

SOUTHEAST REGION

Report by Eric Suttles, Wildlife Southeast Region Supervisor

Current gobbler activity: The toms have joined the hens, and breeding activity is very active. Gobbling in the mornings before fly-down has been steadily increasing. Toms have been seen in open fields and woods where they can display for the hens and partake in courtship behaviors.

Condition of habitat: The drought in summer 2022 did us no favors in the region. Limited vegetation growth and acorn production left all the wild critters in a tough spot over winter. Luckily, we have seen good rain amounts in the region this winter and spring. The rain has led to what the area biologists believe is an earlier green-up than normal. Weather forecasts look to be very favorable for outdoor adventures during the opening week of turkey season.

Reports from landowners or scouting hunters: The turkey population seems to be very spotty. Some reports are indicating good to even increased turkey numbers on their property. While others are saying they have not seen a turkey. Biologists conducting gobble count surveys are hearing good numbers of birds on certain routes but not hearing the birds they believe they should be hearing on other routes.

WMA best bets: Honobia Creek WMA, Three Rivers WMA, Ouachita WMAMcCurtain Unit.

Tips for success: 1. With reports of spotty populations throughout the region, scout, scout and scout some more. I believe scouting is going to be critical to tagging a bird this season. 2. Have a realistic expectation for success with a realistic understanding of the situation. The situation is that we have documented turkey population decline throughout the state. 3. Don’t let the thought of not tagging be what keeps you indoors. Go enjoy the beauty that surrounds you. Oklahoma is an awesome place with great locations to chase a wild turkey in any direction. Go hunt, take a youth, enjoy the sunrise and spend a memorable moment under an oak tree with the sun on your face. But be ready as this is also a great time of day to tag a big ol’ bird.

Mistakes to avoid: 1. Not hunting late enough in the day. The noon hour is a great time to strike up a conversation with a lonely tom. 2. Moving around and fidgeting too much. When chasing the Eastern subspecies of wild turkey, this is even more important. This type of bird has a reputation for sneaking into a call without responding or letting its presence be known. 3. When hunting public land, be mindful and respectful — respectful of the land and opportunities available to us, and mindful of the fact that we are sharing that land and opportunities with others. Safety should be front and center.

Opening-day expectations: I am expecting a much more favorable opening week of turkey hunting this year than last year. The weather looks good, and the birds are active. I believe hunters can expect to enjoy a great day in the woods. If you are in the right spot, you might be successful.

Spring turkey season bag limit is one bearded turkey per hunter statewide. While bearded hens are technically legal to harvest, hunters should take every effort to identify those bearded female birds and only target the males.

To find out about field tagging, E-Check, and other turkey hunting requirements, consult the current Oklahoma Fishing and Hunting Regulations found online at wildlifedepartment.com, on the Go Outdoors Oklahoma free mobile app for Apple or Android devices, or in print across the state wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold.

ODWC’s periodic Upland Update news release provides the latest details about ongoing research efforts. To receive the Upland Update in your email inbox, sign up at https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/outdoor-news.